A home building checklist runs in five phases: plan the budget and financing, buy land, design and permit, build in eight construction stages, then close out and move in. Contractor-built homes took about 12 months from permit to completion in 2024, so start the checklist at least a year before you need to move.
Phase 1: Budget and financing
- ☐ Estimate the build with the cost calculator for your state and size
- ☐ Add land, site work, permits and a 10% contingency
- ☐ Check your credit score and debt-to-income ratio
- ☐ Get prequalified for a construction loan
- ☐ Decide between building and buying
Phase 2: Land
- ☐ Confirm zoning, setbacks and any HOA rules
- ☐ Order a survey and, on rural land, a perc test for a septic system
- ☐ Check water (well or utility tap), power and road access
- ☐ Check flood zone and soil conditions
- ☐ Buy the lot, or include it in a construction-to-permanent loan
Phase 3: Design, builder and permits
- ☐ Choose house plans or hire a designer
- ☐ Interview builders and check licenses and insurance (how to choose)
- ☐ Get a line-item bid and a written contract
- ☐ Finalize selections (cabinets, flooring, fixtures) before pricing is locked
- ☐ Close the construction loan
- ☐ Builder pulls permits (about 1.4 months from permit to start on average in 2024)
Phase 4: Construction stages
| Stage | Share of construction cost (NAHB 2024) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Site work | 7.6% | lot cleared, utilities stubbed, erosion control |
| Foundation | 10.5% | footings inspected before the pour |
| Framing | 16.6% | walk-through before insulation |
| Exterior finishes | 13.4% | roofing, windows, siding |
| Major systems | 19.2% | plumbing, electrical, HVAC rough-in inspections |
| Interior finishes | 24.1% | drywall, cabinets, flooring, paint |
| Final steps | 6.5% | driveway, landscaping, decks |
| Other | 2.1% | cleanup and miscellaneous |
Phase 5: Close-out and move-in
- ☐ Final inspection and certificate of occupancy
- ☐ Walk-through and written punch list
- ☐ Collect warranties, manuals and lien waivers from the builder
- ☐ Convert or refinance into the permanent mortgage
- ☐ Set up homeowner’s insurance and utilities
More on the building process
- Steps to building a house
- Home building checklist
- How long it takes to build a house
- Build vs buy
- Cheapest way to build a house
- How to choose a home builder
- Being your own general contractor
- What is a spec home?
Sources
- NAHB: Cost of Constructing a Home in 2024 (survey published January 2025)
- NAHB: Single-family homes are built faster in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau Survey of Construction)